Dante Chen, WWE’s groundbreaking first Singaporean Superstar, has been released by the company after a five-year career. The news came just hours ago, ending what has been called an extraordinary journey that began in September 2021. Chen made history as the first Southeast Asian born talent to sign with the world’s largest wrestling promotion.
Chen’s Departure and Statement
The wrestling world was stunned earlier today when Dante Chen announced his release from WWE NXT through social media. The departure marks the conclusion of a five-year chapter that began in September 2021 with his debut at an NXT 2.0 televised event. Throughout his tenure, Chen represented Singapore with pride, opening doors for future Southeast Asian wrestlers in the global wrestling landscape.
In his official statement, Chen expressed gratitude for the opportunity to make wrestling history. He wrote, “I am proud to be the first Singaporean-born WWE Superstar, and I hope that inspires everyone that anything can be achieved.” The announcement included his signature phrase, #ChenNowForeverTogether, reflecting the connection he built with wrestling fans worldwide.
A Five-Year WWE Career
Chen’s WWE career spanned nearly five years of continuous development and performance across multiple brands. Starting on NXT, the 6-foot-tall, 215-pound wrestler from Singapore quickly made an impression on NXT 2.0, facing notable competitors in his early matches. His visibility increased over time as he appeared regularly on WWE’s developmental programming, including the previously-filmed NXT Level Up series.
Throughout his tenure, Chen became known for his competitive spirit and technical in-ring work. In 2024 and 2025, wrestling analysts noted his significant contribution to developmental programming, appearing on approximately 30 percent of NXT Level Up shows produced. His match record of 147 total matches demonstrates his active participation in WWE’s wrestling ecosystem.
Impact and Legacy
Chen’s time in WWE represented a watershed moment for Asian wrestling talent in North America’s largest promotion. Before Dante Chen, no Singapore-born wrestler had achieved WWE recognition. His mere presence on programming signaled the company’s commitment to discovering and developing talent from underrepresented wrestling markets. The Southeast Asian Standout inspired many aspiring wrestlers across Singapore, Malaysia, and neighboring regions.
- First Singaporean-born WWE Superstar
- Debuted on NXT in September 2021
- Appeared on NXT and NXT Level Up
- 147 total matches in WWE
Beyond wrestling, Chen’s journey demonstrated the power of individual persistence and cross-cultural impact in sports entertainment. His social media accounts @dantechenwwe attracted 19.9K+ followers who celebrated his contributions. While Chen’s immediate future remains unclear, his release may open conversations about the next generation of Southeast Asian talent seeking WWE opportunities in the coming years.